Office of Chief Counsel

The Office of Chief Counsel provides legal advice on matters related to various functions and responsibilities of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Auxiliary legal officers handle a range of legal issues, ensuring compliance with the Auxiliary Manual and applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

The Auxiliary Chief Counsel (ANACO-CC) serves as the legal advisor to the National Commodore (NACO), the Chief Director (CHDIRAUX) and to the National Executive Committee (NEXCOM) on all Auxiliary issues and is responsible for all Auxiliary legal matters at the National level.

The Chief Counsel office includes the ANACO-CC, a Deputy Chief Counsel (ANACO-CCd), and three Area Assistant Chief Counsels (ACCs) covering Atlantic East, Atlantic West, and Pacific areas.

• ▸
  ANACO-CC — Bruce Kelton — Chief Counsel, legal advisor to NACO, CHDIRAUX, and NEXCOM.
• ▸
  ANACO-CCd — Jason Pfeffer — Deputy Chief Counsel.
• ▸
  CC-AAE — Anthony Wisniewski — Assistant Chief Counsel, Atlantic East.
• ▸
  CC-AAW — Keith Blosser — Assistant Chief Counsel, Atlantic West.
• ▸
  CC-AP — Joanna Leighton-Nevesny — Assistant Chief Counsel, Pacific.

Group Leadership

ANACO-CC — Associate National Commodore, Chief Counsel

Bruce Kelton

Bruce Kelton serves as the Associate National Commodore and Chief Counsel, legal advisor to NACO, CHDIRAUX, and NEXCOM.

ANACO-CCd — Deputy Chief Counsel

Jason Pfeffer

Jason Pfeffer serves as the Deputy Chief Counsel and primary contact for National Staff legal matters.

Directorates

• CC
  Chief Counsel Office

  CC-Directorate

Resources

• 📋 Flotilla Standing Rules Template
• 📋 Division Standing Rules Template
• 📋 District Standing Rules Template
• 📋 Standing Rules of the National Board
• 📋 Auxiliary Claims Guide
• 🎫 National Help Desk

Other National Groups

• ANACO-AS — Administrative Services
• ANACO-CF — Finance
• ANACO-FC — Forcecom
• ANACO-IT — Information Technology
• ANACO-RB — Recreational Boating
• ANACO-RP — Response & Prevention